TEACHING DANCE — Mary and Dan Selmeczy, a local duo who are well-regarded in the dance community, are instructing teens throughout the community who are interested in taking ballroom dance classes at the Sycamore Youth Center. The 10-week journey began Thursday and will continue from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday through March. To register, visit sycamorecenter.com. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Area youth will soon have the opportunity to trade their sneakers for dancing shoes as the Sycamore Youth Center prepares to launch a new program aimed at fostering grace, poise and rhythm.

The center has announced the upcoming start of its Sycamore Teen Ballroom Classes, a 10-week journey designed to teach classic dance styles, while helping local teenagers build confidence and social skills in a supportive environment.

The program kicked off on Thursday, with sessions to be held every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sycamore center.

Organizers noted the classes are specifically tailored for students ages 12 to 18.

Parents will be pleased to know that no prior dance experience is required, making the program accessible to any teenager who possesses an interest in hitting the dance floor.

Leading the instruction are Dan and Mary Selmeczy, a duo well-regarded in the local dance community for their experienced, relaxed and encouraging approach to teaching.

During the course of the session, the Selmeczys will guide students through the foundational steps of several popular ballroom and social dances, including the Swing, Rumba, Waltz and Foxtrot.

According to Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of Sycamore, he is enthusiastic for this new offering at the center, noting the program’s goals extend far beyond the physical movements of the dance floor.

Bauman emphasized these classes serve as a positive and engaging outlet for youth to develop practical life skills that will serve them well into the future.

“Ballroom dance is about much more than learning steps,” Bauman stated. “It helps young people gain confidence, learn respect and teamwork and develop skills they can carry with them into adulthood. We’re excited to offer this opportunity in a welcoming and supportive environment for our teens.”

The learning will not be confined strictly to the classroom, however.

The Selmeczys host “Steubenville Swing,” a monthly community dance event held at Leonardo’s Coffeehouse that features live jazz music. This gathering provides a unique real-world setting where students can practice their newly-acquired skills, mingle with the broader community and see the social value of ballroom dance in action.

According to organizers, the addition of ballroom dance to the center’s schedule reflects the Sycamore center’s ongoing commitment to providing enriching extracurricular activities.

By focusing on personal growth, creativity and positive social interaction, Sycamore continues to seek out new ways to serve the youth throughout the Ohio Valley.

Those interested in learning about the program or anyone who would like to register a student, can find information online at sycamorecenter.com.